Obituary: Duman Fred Jr.

A memorial service for Duman Fred, 86, will be at 11 a.m. today at FitzHenry's Funeral Home.

Mr. Fred died June 20, 2003. He was born Aug. 23, 1916, in the Pine Nut Hills to Big and Kitty Fred.

He was a self-educated man and hard worker. He joined the U.S. Army in 1942, and served overseas in World War II. He was a duty soldier in the 129th AAF Base Unit, Columbia, S.C., and a rifle marksman. He traveled throughout the world ranging from England to Africa and many other places. He received numerous honors, including the Theatre Ribbon with four Bronze Stars, unit citation, four overseas bars and one service stripe. He also received a lapel button before being honorably discharged in 1945.

After his discharge, he returned to travel the United States working as a ranch hand and in fruit orchards. He was an accomplished hunter and fisherman.

He worked for the Alpine County Unified School District, retiring in 1980 after 17 years.

He met and married Vernita Wade in 1947. After the birth of his children, he turned to Christianity and founded the Pentecostal Assembly of God Church in Alpine County, Calif.

After his retirement, he continued to travel. He also pursued his biggest hobby, gambling. He was a successful gambler and won more than he lost.

He was preceded in death by his wife and son David.

Among his survivors are his son Dean and daughters Charlene and Andrea Fred, all of Woodfords; 10 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

FitzHenry's Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.